Kawasaki Ninja 125

Determined to deliver not one but two new 125cc motorcycles in key style segments for 2019, Kawasaki gave a preview of their all new Z and Ninja model in the popular A1 licence category. By introducing two fantastic 125cc machines, Kawasaki consequently provides the consumer with “the toughest choice”, to enter the Kawasaki brand with a Ninja 125 or Z125?

The results of extensive face-to-face research conducted by Kawasaki’s R&D department across Europe, showed that design and styling were the top priority with potential owners, followed closely by the reliability and reputation of the brand. This is where the 125cc machines score high on the scale as they both have styling inspired by top Kawasaki models and are therefore sure to leave a lasting impression.

Sharing a single-cylinder, water-cooled engine rated at a healthy 11kw, both the Z125 and Ninja 125 deliver a strong mid and high-range, with a typical Kawasaki high revving top end. Both machines also feature sleek tubular trellis type frames utilising the same stress technology as the already iconic supercharged Kawasaki Ninja H2.

Looking forward to owning a motorcycle rather than a scooter, younger riders are matched by a group of more experienced potential owners further up the age scale who declared that a 125cc motorcycle was the perfect balance of power, performance and physical size for their requirements.

Calling upon Kawasaki’s unique Sugomi styling character, the Z125 has the uncompromising naked looks that the Z brand is so famous for. With its full-grown size (L x W x H: 1,935 x 740 x 1,015 mm) and low seat height (815 mm), the youngest sibling of the Z family will represent a great entry point to the enduring popular naked style segment.

The Ninja style is clearly visible in the new Ninja 125 with a silhouette and graphic treatment that owes much to Jonathan Rea’s three-time WorldSBK winning Ninja ZX-10RR. With the big bike look and feel (L x W x H: 1,935 x 685 x 1,075 mm), the 125cc machine surely fits well in the Ninja family. Like the Z125, the Ninja 125’s willing engine is wrapped in a tubular trellis frame, matched to a box section swinging arm. Top that off with the low seat height (785 mm) and the young Ninja package is complete and ready to take on those sporty adventures ahead.

Both the Ninja 125 and Z125 are set to make a strong style and performance statement in 2019 as new A1 machines, the only question is; which one do you choose?

POWERFUL ENGINE

Fuel-injected 125 cm3 4-stroke Single Engine Displacing 125 cm3, the new Ninja 125 and Z125 engine delivers the maximum allowable 11.0 kW (15 PS) for an A1 license compliant machine. Power feeling is focused on the range below 100 km/h – ideal for getting around town and short excursions to the countryside. Smooth power delivery contributes to the engine’s feel-good performance. Like a typical Kawasaki engine, it delivers a good “punch” at high rpm, and continues to pull right up to the rev limiter. Reliability inherited from its robust 250cc base engine adds peace of mind.

Kawasaki’s liquid-cooled, DOHC, 4-valve single delivers smooth, responsive power at low and medium rpm and hard-hitting power at high rpm. Maximum power is 11.0 kW (15 PS).

EU WVTA (Reg(EU) 134/2014 Annex X) approved value.
This engine is rated in PS power units. Gross power is different from net power. Net power is generally less than gross, but varies with engine specifications. Gross power is a general measure
to compare one engine to another, as to its overall capacity. Your specific engine net power rating will be different and most likely less than the rated power.

The result is a very smooth, easy-to-control engine character, especially in the rpm range most used in day-to-day riding. From the mid-range onward, the engine revs quickly and easily.
 

Bore and stroke measure 58.0 x 47.2 mm, for a displacement of 125 cm3.
 

Flat-top piston and pentroof combustion chamber deliver a 11.7:1 compression ratio. Lightweight piston, piston pin and connecting rod facilitate power-producing revs.
 

Piston ring tension optimised to help reduce friction.
 4-valve DOHC cylinder head provides maximum valve area for optimum flow. Low reciprocating weight (thanks to the use of a cam lobe for each valve with shim-under tappet arrangement) contributes to higher efficiency at high rpm.
 

Cam profiles and intake port design both contribute to the smooth, quick-revving engine character.

Compact air cleaner design contributes to the bike’s slim package. The air cleaner structure was designed with consideration to optimising airflow and adding to the bike’s sporty performance. Intake funnel length and diameter enhance the 4-stroke characteristics: ultra low-rpm tenacity (which facilitates low-rpm control), strong mid-range torque and pick up, and a high-revving top end.
 

ø28 mm throttle body contributes to the quick-revving character.
 

Fuel injection ensures stable fuel delivery regardless of outside air temperature or atmospheric pressure. It also ensures excellent starting characteristics, whether the engine is hot or cold.
 

To offer maximum performance, the fuel injection system utilises a fine atomising (8-hole) injector with a droplet size of only 60 μm.
 

The engine features an electrofusion cylinder. The ultra-hard coating in the aluminium cylinder bore offers superior heat transfer with light weight. It also contributes to engine reliability: the coating holds lubrication well, resists abrasion and seizure, and allows a tight pistoncylinder clearance for increased horsepower.
 

Long-reach spark plug helped enable a compact combustion chamber to be realised.
 

A gear-driven engine balancer helps to reduce engine vibrations, ensuring smooth power delivery from idle to redline. This contributes to greater comfort and increased ride quality.
 

Precise control of ignition timing by the digital transistor contributes to easy starts and reliability under a variety of conditions.
 

Electric starter offers hassle-free starting at the push of a button.
 

Smooth-shifting six-speed transmission complements the sporty street performance, offering a gear for every situation.
 

The clutch engages smoothly and disengages cleanly, making it easy to operate for new riders and optimising clutch feel for on-road performance.
 

Two-piece exhaust system consists of a ø28.6 mm stainless steel header pipe and sporty silencer.
 

Silencer volume offers a balance of performance and noise-reduction. The silencer’s six-sided cross section adds to the sporty looks, while contributing to a good bank angle.

FULL-SIZE CHASSIS

The Ninja 125 and Z125 feature a full-size chassis. With a slim, compact trellis frame, sporty suspension and lightweight 17” wheels, the light, nimble handling they offer is ideal for new riders to become familiar with operating a full-size motorcycle.

Trellis frame enables a slim, compact package that is easy to manage, and makes it easy to reach the ground with your feet.

With the pipe size of each component of the frame carefully selected, a slim package that offers both nimbleness and a composed character was achieved.
 

Main tubes formed from high-tensile steel with a diameter of ø31.8 mm contribute to the frame’s rigidity balance and slim dimensions. Highquality steel is used for the truss portions.
 

Designing the frame without a lower frame helps minimise weight.
 

The ø37 mm telescopic front fork with a 110 mm stroke performs well with the lightweight chassis and slim tyres. A 23.8° caster for the Ninja 125 (23.1° for the Z125) and 90 mm trail contribute
to the balance of lightweight handling and a composed character.
 

Uni Trak rear suspension provides great road holding ability and bump absorption, contributing to the bike’s sporty handling. The shock linkage decreases leverage on the shock as the suspension is compressed: small bumps are damped very lightly while big bumps receive lots of damping.
 

5-way rear preload adjustability allows riders to adjust the rear ride height, as well as set up the bike to accommodate a passenger or luggage.
 

Brake feel is superb, enabling progressively stronger stopping power.
 

The shock has a 5 stroke of 60 mm, helping to ensure the balance of lightweight handling and a composed character.
 

Front and rear disc brakes offer impressive stopping performance. Dual piston calipers grip a ø290 mm disc up front, and a ø220 mm disc at the rear. Petal disc design adds to the sporty Kawasaki
looks.

All models feature an extremely compact ABS control unit developed specially for motorcycles. It delivers precise control.
 

Independent front/rear activation maximises rider control for aggressive, sporty riding.
 

The unit’s small size allows it to be located under the fuel tank.
 

Ample steering angle (Ninja 125: 30°; Z125: 35°) contributes to a tight (Ninja 125: 2.9 m; Z125: 2.5 m) turning radius. This facilitates navigation through congested city traffic and easy manoeuvrability when walking beside the bike.
 

Short 1,330 mm wheelbase contributes to both light, sporty handling and easy manoeuvrability.
 

Sporty wheel design reflects the bike’s sporty performance. 17” Wheels/Tyres.
 

Full-size 17” wheels 8 contribute to light, nimble handling.
 

Slim tyres contribute to the light, sporty handling: F: 100/80-17M/C 52S R: 130/70-17M/C 62S
 

Ninja 125  Super Sport ergonomics
 

Like its Ninja brethren, the Ninja 125 features seductive, full-fairing bodywork. The Ninja 125’s ergonomics were designed with sporty street riding in mind. The riding position is naturally aggressive, with the rider leaning forward to reach the racy clip-on handlebars.
 

Complementing its slim package, the contrast between its flared and wasted sections gives it a dynamic, hourglass figure. Aggressive single-bulb headlamp contributes to the lightweight image, and with the sharp windscreen and sporty wheels, gives this new Ninja a serious super sport look.
 

All-digital instrument panel gives the cockpit a modern, sporty look.
 

Accessory ERGO-FIT seats enable riders to optimize their fit on the bike, while various other accessories allow them to personalize their rides.
 

Design of the fuel tank and trellis frame create a slim, narrow package, allowing the rider a compact riding position from which to control the sporty Ninja 125.
 

Slim, sculpted fuel tank offers a narrow grip between the rider’s legs for a compact riding position with good hold performance. It is flared at the top, making it easier for the rider to rest the inside of his arm on the tank when leaning into a turn. Fuel tank volume is 11 litres.
 

Seat height is 785 mm, and the front of the seat near the fuel tank is slimmer, offering riders an easy reach to the ground. An accessory ERGOFIT high seat (+20 mm) offers extra legroom for taller riders.
 

Forward-leaning riding position is ideal for sporty street riding, while not being too aggressive for riding in the city.
 

Racy clip-on handlebars instantly put the rider in a sporty frame of mind.
 

Ergonomically designed clutch and brake levers contribute to control.
 

Footpegs holders are rubber mounted to help eliminate unwanted vibration.
 

Trellis frame complements the bodywork, contributing to the bike’s light looks.
 

Sporty, single-bulb headlamp design is an expression of the single-cylinder design of the engine. The multi-reflector headlamp throws a clear beam of light, facilitating night-time visibility.
 

Ninja-style full-fairing bodywork gives the Ninja 125 strong family looks.
 

Sculpted upper triple clamp features lightening holes, contributing to the sporty, lightweight image and adding to the high-quality look of the cockpit.
 

Sharp taillight design enhances the sporty look of the rear.
 

Sharp tail cowl design creates a dynamic counterpoint to the enclosed design of the fully faired front end.
 

Inner fender, unitised with the chain cover, adds to the racy looks.
 

CONCEPT AND ADVANTAGES
 

Sporty 10-spoke 17” wheels are fitted with slim tyres for their contribution to the bike’s light, nimble handling.
The Z125 offers the same light, nimble handling character of the Ninja 125, but a more upright riding position and wider handlebar put the rider in the ideal position for active control, facilitating dynamic, sporty riding that enables the Z125 rider to deftly navigate urban traffic.
The Ninja 125’s ergonomics were designed with sporty street riding in mind. The riding position is naturally aggressive, with the rider leaning forward to reach the racy clip-on handlebars.
 

FLAGSHIP-INSPIRED STYLING
 

With aggressive styling and slim, tight-fitting bodywork, these lightweight new models have a strong Ninja and Z family resemblance. Colour & graphics based on Kawasaki’s top models (Ninja ZX-10R, Ninja ZX-6R, Z900) add to the strong Kawasaki identity.
ABS contributes to rider reassurance. The high spec system was designed specially for motorcycles and features a very compact ABS unit. Independent activation maximises sporty control.
 

MODEL VARIATIONS
 

In addition to the standard Ninja 125 and Z125, Special Edition models with original colour and graphics, and special equipment fit standard will also be available.
 
Special equipment and accessories fit standard on the Special Edition
 

Ninja 125 models include:
– colour frame (Not available as standard equipment on top models)
– wheel rim tape
– WSB colour & graphics

Ninja 125 colours:

Lime Green / Ebony / Metallic Graphite Gray
Metallic Flat Spark Black / Metallic Matte Fusion Silver
* Candy Plasma Blue / Metallic Flat Spark Black